USA Road Trip: California Sierras & the Coast

Now's the time to explore the United States on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Feel the California love on this seven-day road trip from San Francisco to LA with plenty of worthwhile stops in between. Let your jaw drop at the idyllic Lake Tahoe and its sweeping mountain views. Then play wildlife bingo as you spot deer and coyotes in Yosemite National Park. Once you reach the Pacific Coast Highway, passing dramatic cliffs and waves crashing into the shore, you'll wish your next destination was just a little further away.

Day 1 San Francisco
Arrive at any time

Gear up and get ready for a night out with your CEO and group in San Francisco. Wander through Union Square and along Market Street in search of some fun. Use this time to mingle, get comfortable with your new travel buddies, and indulge in some lively nightlife at the best bars, live music venues, and food joints that San Francisco has to offer.

Day 2 San Francisco/Lake Tahoe
Continue on to idyllic Lake Tahoe, a jewel of the Sierra Nevadas. Known for its crystal clear waters and sweeping mountain views, it is truly a nature-lover's paradise. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing. In the evening, hit up the Nevada side of the Lake and try your hand at the Casinos. Who knows, maybe luck will be on your side!

Day 3 Lake Tahoe/Yosemite National Park
Say, "see you later" to Lake Tahoe and travel south through National Forests and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range on the way to Yosemite National Park. Tip your head back and relax or try to spot some wildlife. Once you arrive, hike amongst giant sequoias and past powerful waterfalls before setting up camp. Spend the night telling stories around the fire with your newest travel family.

Day 4 Yosemite National Park
Let your mind wander as you hike through this breathtaking park. Gaze in wonder at Yosemite's magnificent peaks and granite domes before turning your attention to the tranquil nature of the valley floor. Snap photos or simply take in the beauty of one of the country's most beautiful national parks. Keep an eye out for rock climbers and diverse wildlife within the park and consider renting bikes with some friends to better explore Yosemite Valley.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park/Santa Cruz
Leave the mountains behind and head to the coastal paradise of Santa Cruz. Conveniently located between San Francisco and Monterey this beach town is full of great surf, pristine waterfront, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back surfer towns, organic farms, and a growing beer and wine scene. Spend your free afternoon exploring the wharf, vintage shops, and beach coves with a friend or on your own. Either way you’ll be getting a true taste of what the laid back life on the West Coast is all about.

Day 6 Santa Cruz/Morro Bay
Travel down the famous Pacific Coast Highway and marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur. Have your cameras handy as you will be making multiple stops along the way at places you won't want to miss having a photo of. Take in the crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs that make this journey down California's coastal Highway 1 an unforgettable experience. Arrive in time to enjoy sunset on Morro Bay.

Day 7 Morro Bay/Los Angeles
Journey along the stunning Pacific coast to the 'City of Angels'. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch in this famous coastal city as the group makes its way to LA (maybe sneak in a volleyball game on the beach if you have time). Your CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive. And even though the trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles you can certainly book some post accommodation and continue enjoying one of most geographically diverse states in America.